Aberdeen Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Aberdeen

The area where Aberdeen now sits has been inhabited by people for at least 8,000 years. The city that we now know as Aberdeen was first chartered in 1179. It was granted city status in 1891.

The city has been successful over the years due to vast granite deposits used for making sturdy buildings and fortifications. It was also known for its fishing, textile and paper-making industries. However, today Aberdeen is known for its oil and natural gas industry. In fact, the city has been called the "Oil Capital of Europe."

Money from the oil industry has allowed the city to refurbish many of its most highly regarded tourist destinations. Religious buildings like the Salvation Army Citadel and the Kirk of St. Nicholas have undergone restorations that bring out the past while keeping the buildings safe and secure. Provost Skene's House and Marischal College are historical spots that are certain to be eye-opening.

Visitors to Aberdeen can see plenty of culture as they walk the streets. Music Hall and His Majesty's Theatre show the importance of arts to this city. The Tolbooth museum provides a different type of culture to those wanting to know more about the history of crime and punishment in Scotland.

Take this self-guided tour to learn about Aberdeen's past and present while experiencing the beauty of this great city.